Dominic Calvert Lewin’s late goal in injury time gave Carlo Ancelotti’s men a point, a kick in the teeth for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, who looked on course for three points in the last few seconds of the contest.
Manchester United started the game positively and went into half time 2-0 up with a goal from Edinson Cavani, an accurate headed effort assisted by Marcus Rashford from the right-hand side. Bruno Fernandes shortly made it two before half-time, catching the keeper by surprise with his brilliantly disguised finesse shot from outside the edge of the box, a stunning finish by the Portuguese.
Everton were quick out the blocks and grabbed a goal back in the game with Abdoulaye Doucoure poking in from close range in the 49th minute after an error from David De Gea palming the ball into the path of the midfielder. Everton equalised three minutes later after James Rodriguez’s stunning shot hit the back of the net bringing the Toffees level.
Scott McTominay headed in United’s third, Robin Olsen the culprit this time failing to punch the ball away after finding himself unbalanced. But Everton were not to give up grabbing a late minute equaliser, courtesy Dominic Calvert Lewin after United’s defence failed to clear Lucas Digne’s deep delivery, denting the Red Devil’s title hopes.
Solskjaer’s thoughts:
Following Everton’s late equaliser, the United boss spoke to the press and gave his thoughts on the 90 minutes.
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The Norwegian spoke about the challenge Everton posed and the performance:
“You’re never 100% comfortable against Everton’s attackers. I think we played it well after they scored two quick goals. We reacted well, created chances, dominated possession but why there was four minutes added time is beyond me compared to three minutes the other day.”
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He was disappointed to not have taken all three points:
"All we have to do is get the ball into the corner and see it out but we didn’t. Poor goals to concede, definitely. During a game you expect two or three good moments from the opponents but it’s very disappointing in the last minute of added time. It feels worse when you concede in the last minute. We played some very good football and we should have been out of sight really. Football is about getting the ball in one net and out the other. We didn’t do that and it cost us.”
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On Paul Pogba’s injury:
“It was a muscle injury’ his thigh. We will check him out, give him treatment and scan tomorrow to see how serious it is. Hope its not too bad. He couldn’t carry on and we had to take him off.”
Looking forward
Man United have West Ham up next in midweek at home in the fifth round of the FA Cup, with West Brom in their sights next Sunday in the Premier League at the hawthorns.
Man United are now two points behind Manchester City who take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The rivals have a further game in hand against Tottenham Hotspur which could potentially take the gap to eight points, if they win their two games in hand. The Red Devils will need to pick themselves up if they are to continue to stay in touch with the league leaders in this thrilling title race.